Cat Introductions created By FIGO Pet Insurance
Bringing a new kitten or full-grown cat into home is one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do for the cat and you. You give your life instant love and endless entertainment and your home will never quite be the same again – in a great way.
It can, of course, be quite a transition for a small animal. Everything is completely new, overwhelming and (while exciting) even a little frightening for them. If a cat was removed from its family (feline or human!), you can imagine the emotions they feel. Basically, their word has been turned upside down.
They need your patience, understanding, love, and comfort.
In not time at all they’ll find that… yes, their world was turned upside down BUT it has landed them in the most special place in the entire world – HOME.
The slideshow above will give you plenty of great tips for this transition. As someone who has been through this too many times to even count, I’d also like to offer the following advice…
- Stay CALM. Cats are incredibly intuitive – if you get excited and put off an anxious vibe, they won’t just pick up on it…. they’ll run with it.
- Don’t overwhelm them unnecessarily. While your intentions are great, don’t provide them with too many faces and too many toys at once. Take it slow – let them dictate when and how they’re ready to progress.
- Remain patient. If they have an adjustment period (and it it perfectly expected and normal), it is nothing at all personal. It’s not you and it’s not your home. Just imagine how you’d feel if you were removed from the home you knew to an entirely different one, with different smells, voices, sounds, and sights. Their world has completely changed in a matter of hours – love them and be patient with them.
- If you’re introducing a new cat to family pets, be extra patient and loving to the family pets who are already “family.” Again, try to see things from their perspective – animals don’t often (ever!) reason things out like we do. They in NO way understand the whys of the situation – all they know is that their life has been drastically changed. Cats, especially, aren’t terribly fond of change (I can so relate to cats on so many levels!) – give your pets extra attention and comfort. If you family pet loves to play with a particular toy, give them extra playtime – and, whatever you do… don’t let the newbie have the toy!! Talk about getting off on the wrong paw!
- Patience. Love. Understanding. Rinse and repeat.
